September Favourites!

September is now over..... Hooray!!!!  I know some of you may disagree with me on this, but I honestly cannot wait for October to begin!  I think a lot of this, comes from the fact that my 6 year anniversary is coming up with Perry (6 years..... I can't believe it's been that long), my best friends birthday is at the end of the month, and to top it all off, Halloween people!!!!  Eeeeeek!!!  I can't wait to dress up (I don't even care if I'm not going to a party, I'm still going to go all out!)  I seem to be rambling, so I'm going to stop and instead tell you all about my September Favourites!

1. Zara trench coat! 

This has literally been my coat of the month!!!  I have been wearing this every single day, and it has been perfect for those sudden rain showers!  First Mac I have ever bought and I am utterly impressed... Well done Zara! 

2. Benefit Roller Lash Mascara! 

For years I have bought my mascara from Maybelline.  I literally have had every single collection that they have brought out (my favourite being 'Lash Sensational').  However, Benefit's 'Roller Lash' mascara has been a real dream for my eyes.  Not only does it curl my lashes, but it also lifts them too, making my eyes look bigger and more pronounced.  I definitely have been swayed and when my current one runs out, I will be straight at the Benefit counter buying more!

3. Reading glasses from Michael Kors!

I know I have mentioned these a few times, and if I'm really honest, even in my August favourites, but I just can't get enough of them so I had to carry them into this one too!  Not only do they look stunning and chic, but they have made my life so easy with reading and blogging, as now I don't get constant eye strain.... Yayyyyyy! 

4. 'Made' by Millie Macintosh lifestyle book! 

This book is fantastic and I would 100% advise you all to buy it and if not then read a little in your local book store!  This book is like your much needed life bible, with everything from gym workouts, recipes, beauty tips and style diaries... What more could you want?  I also really love the layout and the gorgeous pictures, which do the stunning Millie Macintosh justice... Nice one Millie! 

5. Tanya Burr 'Fairytale' eyeshadow quad palette!

Tanya Burr's makeup range has had a wonderful makeover... She has brought out new colours in her legendary lipglosses, but has also created these beautiful eye shadow palettes.  I chose this one, because I love nudes and metallics and this palette includes all of the above, whilst being incredibly useful!  All of the colours look beautiful together and it is great for a quick makeup and can fit into your mag up bag as it's a travel friendly size!  Next month I will definitely by her other palettes!  Keep it up Tanya! 

6. H&M lipsticks! 

H&M has brought out a makeup collection called 'The New Naturals', and it consists of shadows, foundations, concealers, you name it!  I ended up buying two of their 'Cream Lip Colours' (lipsticks), in 'Kombuca' and 'Siena Piazza'.  Kombuca is the perfect raspberry pink colour and Siena Piazza is a strong coral tone.  Both of these lipsticks extremely cream based and high in colour, so you only need one application for the colour to go on, although two coats is what I use to make it last even longer!  These are perfect for autumn, but will also be brilliant for next summer too... I just know that I will get such wear out of them! 

So that's it from my September favourites.  It's funny how they are all mostly beauty related... That makes a nice change!  I cannot wait for this new month to begin... October here I come!

M x

The New Naturals by H&M!

H&M have always been one of my top five stores to shop at on a weekly basis, along with Topshop, Zara, New Look and River Island.  So it's no surprise that they have just launched a new makeup range called 'the new naturals'. 

I was instantly drawn to the lipsticks or what they like to call 'cream lip colours'.  I snapped two of them up in seconds, in the colours 'Kombuca' and 'Siena Piazza'. 

'Kombuca' is a really warm rose colour with a fantastic sheen once applied.  Although it is a neutral shade, it still gives you colour without being too bold.  This is almost like a light raspberry tone, and I must admit that ever since Tanya Burr did her makeup tutorial on berry coloured lips I am seriously addicted! 

'Siena Piazza' is the complete opposite to 'Kombuca', as it is more of a coral shade.  It is fantastic for dressing up a plain outfit with a pop of colour but I also find that it is a transitional colour.  I can definitely picture me wearing this next summer on my honeymoon!  Corals and pinks are always very warning for my ever so pale (Ivory) complexion! 

Both lipsticks are incredibly cream based and therefore moisturising to the lips, making them long lasting!  I also think that the lipsticks are highly pigmented in colour which is brilliant for me as usually, because of my natural dark lips, I struggle to find neutral shades that go on without having to apply more than one coat.  But these two are amazing at only £7.99 each they are a real bargain!! 

I definitely will be keeping my eyes peeled regarding H&M's makeup range as even though it's high street... It's not bad quality at all! 

M x  

Sister time.... Seeing the Wedding Venue!

Yesterday my beautiful sister travelled with me to the Wedding Venue for the first time.  I was so excited for her to view it, because I am literally in love with the place! 

It's a converted mill with twelve acres of land, three lakes and two barns.  Because I'm getting married in my local church I will be using this venue for the wedding breakfast/after party.... Eeeek!!! 

My sister always has such amazing ideas when it comes to events and parties, so it was really encouraging to hear her thoughts and to take on board some of her top tips!  After all sisters know best! 

Once we scanned the whole place, I thought that it was about time to take some well deserved selfies, as this was the last time that the pair of us will see it together before the wedding!  Most importantly, the gorgeous sunshine came out for us and it really highlighted the stunning countryside and gave us a sneak peak into what next June will hopefully give us! 

So now I just have to wait.... Come on these next few months, I just want to get married!!! 

M x

Tanya Burr's new makeup range!

I was in Superdrug the other day and was ever so curious about the new cosmetic range by the one and only Tanya Burr.  She's back again with a brand new range for autumn winter and I must say that it looks rather stunning!  With lip-glosses, blusher, highlighters and eye shadows... It was hard to choose! 

I opted for the eyeshadow quad which was called Fairytale, because it included the colours that I wear the most.  Yes, you guessed it, nudes again!  I really love the colours that she has so carefully chosen, because not only do they work so well on their own, but all four of them are perfect at complimenting one another.  Also, the consistency is a powder form that is really creamy once applied.

The colours that are incorporated in this palette are:- Cream Tea, Velvet Cushion, Alohomora and Witches Cat.

Cream tea - This is the perfect highlighter for your brows and lids.  I will wear that all over going up to my brow line. 

Velvet cushion - This is a really nice shade, and it's ideal for autumn.  Again you can wear this all over or mix it with Alohomora for a bronzed look.

Alohomora - My favourite colour in the whole palette.  I love the colour of this and have been wearing it all over my lids for a quick metallic eye!

Witches cat - If I'm honest, I might not use this colour much as it is jet black, but I might use it to outline my lower lashes. 

Now let me just mention that the packaging of her new products is stunning!!!  I love the metallic purple and how it screams fairytale!  It's such a small and convenient size for makeup bags, handbags and travelling.  I'm very glad that there is no applicator in the shadow quad, because they never help and are in actual fact a right nuisance!  Tanya has also added her own tips on how to use the palette, which I adore, as she is the one person I watch for makeup tutorials! 

Overall, I am incredibly impressed by her new eye shadow quads, and I will no doubt be back to buy the other two palettes.  I think I might have to get her new lip glosses as well, as I have been browsing two shades in particular....'Lunch Date' and 'Berry Picking'.... Tanya, your range is far too addictive!

Have you tried Tanya Burr's cosmetics range?  What are your favourite pieces? 

M x

A walk in the countryside!

Monday is back with a vengeance!  I don't know what it is about Monday's, but I never seem to like them.  Well that is, unless I am off and free to lie in bed and relax, which in my case is never! 

To me, my favourite day of the week is Sunday!  It's the day where you can relax and put your feet up, or for me and my family, go out on a nice dog walk in the countryside! 

I'm very lucky to live where I do, because there are so many beautiful fields and national trust walks.... There's always something to explore! 

My family and I went on a spontaneous dog walk and we were so lucky with the weather.  It was so lovely and hot that I opted for wearing my floral dress with my socks and converse trainers for a vintage fifties chic look! 

It was so nice to be with all the family, because during the week we are all over the place with various work patterns, that we hardly see one another.  It made for a nice change to spend quality time together on a peaceful Sunday morning!  Also, our dog was in her element so everyone was happy! 

I hope you all had a wonderful Sunday and that you're gently easing yourselves into the new week! 

M x

Keep on running!

Running...... Where do I start?  Well, let's just say that I'm not the best runner, or any kind of runner at that!  I just like to run!  I find that not only does it increase my fitness, but it also helps me to clear my mind and de-stress from a busy week!  But the best thing about running is the sheer rush you get once you've finished... All those endorphins that move around your body, make you feel so good and get you ready for your day ahead! 

So in order for me to get better, I kind of need some sort of encouragement.    I'm not one who can just run 10k just like that.... I wish!  I found an app on my phone called Nike Running and I cannot tell you how amazing it is!  It has revolutionised the way we run nowadays... It not only tells you when you've completed each 1k, but it also tells you how long you ran for, what your heartbeat was, and then grades your run.  The best thing, is that it records every run that you do, so that it encourages you to do even better and to constantly beat your last performance! 

Last week I ran 5k for the first time in two months and I completed it in forty four minutes, which I'm really proud of.  Because it was my first run I wasn't interested in how fast I was running, it was more the sheer determination to finish.  So next time I will work on my pace and speed.  I really like how the app enables you record what the weather was like and map the route that you ran.  This gives you a clear understanding of the track that you used and the weather conditions, which always affect our individual performances. 

Now with my trusty running app, thanks to Nike, I am going to attempt to run 5k every Sunday morning!  Bring it on! 

Have you used this app?  Are there any other running apps that you use? I'd love to know.... Drop me a comment below! 

M x

Rain all round!

September's showers are officially back and what better way to embrace them than accessorising your outfit with your trusty umbrella and wearing a huge smile on your face.  Well.... That's what I have been doing recently!  

Whether, you've had a tough week, still long for some sunshine or have made plans in central, do not let the rain ruin your day!  Instead, enjoy life and love your brolley! 

After all, what comes after showers.... A beautiful rainbow!!! 

Hope you are all having a great Friday! 

Lots of love,

M x

Finally getting my fitness back!

Since finding my wedding dress, I have now been given all the inspiration to get my body back in shape and tone up.  And it's about time too as I have been far too lazy!  

I'm usually quite an active person as my job requires me to be on my feet for the entire time!  But that's not an excuse for cancelling multiple gym sessions in order to catch up on Netflix... No matter how tempting that may seem! 

My aim is to get back to attending the gym 3 times a week with a 5k run on Sunday's, giving me a total of 4 days a week fitness!  I know that sounds like a lot of hard work, but once your body gets used to it, your fitness regime will feel like second nature! 

Also, in order for me to tone up, I'm also going to be attempting to eat cleaner.... In other words cutting out foods such as chocolate, cakes, puddings, sweets, snacks or any other food with high levels of sugar in them.  It's going to be tricky for me as I particularly love my puddings and cakes, but now that I have secured my wedding dress.... The inspiration is there for me to strive to do my best... And really, that's all I can do! 

How do you keep yourself fit?  Let me know in the comment section below! 

M x

'Made' by Millie!

How beautiful is this book that Millie Macintosh has made?  Haha made!  'Made', by Millie Macintosh is her new lifestyle book, that incorporates style, food and fitness! 

I have had this book on pre-order for months and when it came through the post, I couldn't resist... I just had to start reading it!  

The pictures and the content of this book, make it the ultimate beauty bible for when you want to get inspiration or for when you just want to read about Millie's top tips.  There is so much to learn and also so much to love about this book.  

I adore the simplistic yet chic layout of each page, and I particularly am fond of the food and fitness chapters.  Millie is renowned for her 'clean eating' and she has recently been made the cover of 'Women's Health magazine.  She basically is an inspiration for people who eat healthily and are constantly working on their fitness.  You go girl! 

I am thoroughly impressed with my purchase, and I advise you all to go and check out her book in your nearest store, because it really is an excellent read.  Well done Millie! 

M x

Vision is back on track!

I can't tell you how long I have been waiting for my glasses to arrive from the opticians.... Literally agesssss... Well three weeks if memory serves me correctly!  Which is such a long time!  

On Saturday they arrived and I couldn't tell you how excited I was to wear them and get back into my reading!  You see, reading is one of my favourite things to do and I love getting stuck into a good book.  I love how books can pretty much take you on any adventure! 

I showed you all my Michael Kors tortoiseshell glasses, (if you haven't seen them go to my post 'Looking through the lense' and you can have a proper look!  I also got a second pair of glasses, for my morning commute, so that I would have one pair at home and the other pair in my handbag!  I love reading on the many trains I take to get to work... Reading always seems to make the travel less painful!  

I must say, when I tried my glasses the other day, what a difference they made?  I could finally read without my eyes straining... It was bliss!  

Do you enjoy reading?  If so what book are you reading at the moment? 

M x